Crossword Genius

Face an annual event (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boat race

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'face an annual' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'event' is the second definition.
(boat race is a kind of event)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boat race that I've seen before include "Rowing contest" , "Oxford and Cambridge take part in one" , "televised row, perhaps" , "sporting event" , "Varsity Putney to Mortlake contest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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